Let’s blow the whistle on gold smugglers
The announcement by President John Dramani Mahama that there will be a 10 per cent reward for whistleblowers who expose illegal gold dealers marks a bold and necessary step in safeguarding the country’s gold resources.
This measure, along with stringent penalties for offenders, underscores the government’s commitment to curbing smuggling and ensuring that the nation fully benefits from its mineral wealth.
The inauguration of the Ghana Gold Board Task Force further reinforces this resolve, signalling a new era of accountability and efficiency in the gold sector.
The gold industry has long been plagued by illegal trading and smuggling, depriving the nation of critical foreign exchange.
The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, revealed that at the height of the country’s economic crisis in 2022, about 60 tonnes of gold, worth approximately $1.2 billion, were smuggled out of the country.
This staggering loss occurred when the foreign reserves had dwindled to less than $300 million, meaning the smuggled gold was nearly half the value of the IMF bailout the country was seeking.
The new measures, including hefty fines of up to GH¢2.4 million and prison sentences of five to 10 years for offenders, send a clear message: illegal gold trading will no longer be tolerated.
The whistleblower incentive, offering 10 per cent of the value of seized gold or cash, is a strategic move to encourage citizen participation in combating this menace. If effectively implemented, this policy could significantly reduce smuggling while fostering a culture of accountability.
The newly inaugurated Ghana Gold Board Task Force, composed of security experts, has a critical mandate — to enforce compliance with gold trading laws and dismantle smuggling networks.
However, as President Mahama rightly cautioned, this authority must be exercised with the utmost integrity. Any officer found engaging in misconduct will face immediate sanctions, including dismissal and prosecution. This warning is crucial, given past instances where security personnel have been complicit in illegal mining and smuggling operations.
It is worth noting that the task force’s interim operations have already yielded impressive results. In May 2025 alone, the country exported 11 tonnes of gold worth $1.1 billion, with the small-scale sector exports reaching 51.5 tonnes — a 95 per cent increase from the same period in 2024.
These figures demonstrate that with proper regulation, the country can maximise revenue from its gold resources, boosting foreign reserves and supporting economic stability.
The Daily Graphic believes that while increasing exports is commendable, President Mahama’s emphasis on traceability, environmental sustainability and value addition is even more significant.
The directive to implement a nationwide traceability system ensures that every gram of gold can be traced back to its licensed and environmentally compliant source.
This move will not only curb illegal mining but also enhance the country’s reputation in the global gold market as a responsible producer.
Furthermore, plans to establish an ISO-certified assay laboratory by 2026 and transition from exporting raw doré bars to refined bullion are steps in the right direction.
The proposed "Gold Village," a manufacturing hub for jewellery and ornaments, will position Ghana as a leader in value addition, creating jobs and reducing the need for Ghanaians to travel abroad to purchase gold products.
The Gold Board’s commitment to ecological restoration through initiatives such as the "Blue Water Initiative" and "Tree for Life" programme is equally noteworthy.
For too long, illegal mining has devastated the country’s landscapes and water bodies.
By integrating environmental sustainability into gold production, the government is ensuring that economic gains do not come at the expense of the environment.
The paper notes that the success of these measures depends on collaboration between the government, security agencies, miners and the public.
Citizens must take advantage of the whistleblower policy to report illegal activities, while the task force must operate with transparency and professionalism.
Foreign investors, too, have a role to play.
Instead of engaging in illicit trade, they should apply for licences to participate legally in Ghana’s gold sector.
President Mahama’s message was clear: Ghana’s gold must benefit Ghanaians.
The new policies provide a robust framework to achieve this goal. However, to ensure long-term success, enforcement must be consistent and impartial.
The fight against gold smuggling is not just about revenue; it is also about national sovereignty, economic stability and sustainable development.
The Daily Graphic commends the government for these decisive actions and urges all stakeholders to support their implementation.
With strong institutions, vigilant citizens and responsible leadership, Ghana can transform its gold sector into a true engine of growth and prosperity for all.
